How to learn to kayak

So you’ve heard about kayaking; would love to try it but don’t know how to begin, where to go or what to do.

That was me about twenty years ago. I loved to canoe, wanted to try kayaking, but didn’t know how to start.

So if you don’t own a kayak and don’t know anyone that kayaks then how do you start?

I was lucky, the local sporting outfitter in my town was having a kayak demo day on a lake by my home. They gave me a quick paddling lesson, supplied the pfd, and told me to get in a kayak and go paddle around.

That was it. I was hooked! This was the beginning of kayaking for me. I was lucky that an opportunity came around.

But before you run out and buy a kayak, you should try to paddle different types of kayaks to find the one that best fits your style and the type of paddling you want to do.

Now that sounds like a great idea, but if you don’t know anyone who has a kayak, how do you try different types of kayaks?

Here are a few suggestions:

• Check with your local kayak or outdoor outfitters to see if they have a kayak demo day. Ask if they offer kayak lessons.
• Check with your State Parks, to see if they have guided kayak tours or kayak rentals. You may find places to kayak.
• Check with kayak clubs in your area.
• Attend a kayak race or kayaking event.

Sometimes races or events have outfitter sponsors that can answer questions, give information, or have demo kayaks. By attending a race or event you would have an opportunity to see different types of kayaks and speak with other kayakers. Many races and events look for volunteers to help out.

Search our races & events page for the events near you. You can search by U.S. State or by month.

You don’t need a racing kayak to enter a race. Many kayak races have different categories for different size and types of kayaks. There are kayak races for whitewater and flatwater.

• Check with kayak rental companies. Many rental companies are near rivers and lakes.  Many will take you to the water, pick you up, and bring you back. Some may have guides.
• Take a kayaking trip (kayak tour) from a travel touring company. There are many different types of kayaking tours and kayaking trips you can go on.

Here are some of the many different types of kayaks available.

Recreational kayaks
Sit on Top
Inflatable kayaks
Tandem (2 person kayak)
Whitewater Kayaks
Fishing kayaks
Sea Touring kayaks
Touring kayaks
Kayaks for kids

For more information on kayaking, check out our Paddling How section or click on the links below:

How to choose a kayak

How to choose a kayak paddle

Choosing a roof rack

First Aid Kits for paddlers

Storing a Kayak

Kayak Safety

Looking for more information on beginner kayaking click here to find kayaking books and dvds.

Labeling our kayaks and canoes is a small thing, but it can help to avoid big problems.

Kayaks and canoes that go adrift can trigger the Coast Guard and other marine patrollers to initiate a missing boater search. This costs a lot – not just monetarily but emotionally as well.

Very easy to avoid, simply labeling your kayak and/or canoe, as well as your other paddling gear such as your PFD, paddles, etc. can help prevent any turmoil should they go adrift.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxillary has introduced “Operation Paddle Smart” through their “Vessel Safety Check” program in many locations around the country, here’s what it is all about:

The Vessel Safety Check is a complimentary check of your boat conducted by members of the Auxiliary, confirming that it meets both federal and state requirements for safety.

No citations are issued and the results of the safety check are not reported to any enforcement agency, but a decal is awarded to display if the vessel has passed the examination.

An example of some of the items checked include:

• Life Jackets
• Registration and numbering
• Navigation lights
• Ventilation
• Fire extinguishers
• Distress signals (flares, horn, etc.)
• Battery cover and connections

All of these items are currently required by state and federal laws and, if missing or non-operating, can result in a citation if your vessel is inspected by the Coast Guard.

The Vessel Safety Check gives you a risk-free way to check that you meet the legal minimums and to potentially avoid a citation later.

You can contact your local USCG station to see what they offer – many have waterproof stickers with space for you to write your name, address and phone number. For more info, visit: http://www.cgaux.org/vsc/

Or do it yourself – just write out your name, address and phone number in the cockpit of your kayak or canoe with an waterproof marker. Doesn’t get much easier than that! But imagine how much time, money and man-power simply labeling your kayak or canoe can save.